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The internet

The internet is a global network of computers connected by satellite and cable. Australians are the third highest internet users in the world - coming in behind only USA and Sweden. One third of all Australian homes now have internet access.

The internet is basically an adult environment with little control over the material posted there. While it's a useful and enjoyable tool when it comes to learning, playing, communicating with friends and shopping, the freedom that it allows can be difficult to manage when your children are accessing the internet.

Internet censorship varies around the globe, so it is possible to view material from one country that would not pass censorship laws in another.

Australian Internet Service Providers have a code of practice and are asked to remove any illegal material, but this only covers material that is generated from within Australia. Material from other countries isn't removed.

It is important to make the effort to stay (reasonably) up-to-date with the technology that your children use, so that you can effectively monitor their activity.

Schools generally provide a safe internet environment for children with the use of filters and information technology rules that all children have to abide by.